The research component comprises two-thirds of the program and takes the form of a supervised research and/or development project, culminating in the submission of a thesis that makes a significant contribution to public health.

Your research topic

Applicants need to discuss their proposed research topic with an appropriate research advisor. To identify an appropriate advisor, use the Find an Advisor service from the Graduate Research School.

Award Requirements

Admission Requirements

Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 2 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.

JCU scholarship applicants require Band 3a

Special admission requirements

Applicants must submit a Doctoral Learning Plan developed with the assistance of potential advisors and approved by the Head of School on the advice of the School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences Board of Doctoral Studies.

Academic Requirements for Course Completion

EFTSL to complete (equivalent full-time student load)

4 EFTSL

Course learning outcomes

Graduates of a Doctoral Degree will have:

Knowledge

A substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a field of work or learning, including knowledge that constitutes an original contribution

Substantial knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning.

Skills

Cognitive skills to demonstrate expert understanding of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on that theory and practice

Cognitive skills and use of intellectual independence to think critically, evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, undertake systematic investigation and reflect on theory and practice to generate original knowledge

Expert technical and creative skills applicable to the field of work or learning

Communication skills to present cogently a complex investigation of originality or original research for external examination against international standards and to communicate results to peers and the community

Expert skills to design, implement, analyse, theorise and communicate research that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge and/or professional practice.

Graduates of a Doctoral Degree will demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills:

With intellectual independence

With initiative and creativity in new situations and/or for further learning

With full responsibility and accountability for personal outputs

To plan and execute original research

With the ongoing capacity to generate new knowledge, including in the context of professional practice.

Advanced Standing

Eligibility

A person admitted to candidature on the basis of previous enrolment in a research Masters degree relevant to the proposed Doctoral program, may be given advanced standing for work towards the Masters degree. In exceptional cases advanced standing may be given to a student for relevant research work undertaken at another university.

Maximum allowed

The amount of advanced standing to be awarded shall be determined by the RESC on the recommendation of the Head of the School.

Other restrictions

The University will not normally accept a student who has been enrolled at another institution for more than two years (full-time equivalent) or release a student who has been enrolled for more than two years (full-time equivalent).

Award Details

Award title

DOCTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Approved abbreviation

DrPH

Inclusion of field of research on testamur

The field of research shall not appear on the testamur.

Exit with a lesser award

After examination of the thesis, and subject to the requirements under HDR Degree Requirements, the RESC may approve the degree be not awarded but that the student be awarded an appropriate Masters degree.

This website is intended as general guide. Prospective students should contact the university to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.

We acknowledge Australian Aboriginal People and Torres Strait Islander People as the first inhabitants of
the nation, and acknowledge Traditional Owners of the lands where our staff and students live, learn
and work.